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Post by brandy on Sept 2, 2005 19:38:53 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? Do you feel that the school has the necessary resources you need to complete your program?
To answer this question with truthfulness I must say that it happened by searching through myself the past two years. I spent time traveling around the US and to Europe searching for the right program to fulfill my desire to become a unique well rounded professional artist in the film/video industry. My undergraduate Degree is from the Atlanta college of Art where i aquired a hunger for Visual Effects. I originally wanted to go to a Fine Art driven school but then i realized that i needed to feed myself and i enjoy being around other people who are creative and have a hunger for creativity with computer graphics.
Discussion 1.2: What makes you want to participate in the computer graphics industry? Do you watch a lot of VFX films?
After creating conceptual video installations and feeling as though i found my voice i decided that this suited my life well. I watch as many VFX movies as i can get my hands on, but then again how many movies are there now that do not have some kind of special effects in them.
Discussion 1.3: What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the computer graphics industry? Would you classify yourself as an artist, a technician, or a little of both?
I beleive that i am a unique canidate because I am a very determined, driven, fun, devoted person that has some unique ideas that are theory and myth based. I would classify myself as a very technical and theoretical artist.
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cybertron
Full Member
Vector Sigma - The greatest computer in the universe
Posts: 121
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Post by cybertron on Sept 2, 2005 21:41:42 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University?
I chose the Academy after I got some good words on it from people that work in the visual effects industry. I also was very impressed from the school's info on the web and finally it is the only place the gives an MFA for animation and visual effects.
What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)? Science fiction films were always a part of my life and ever since I was a kid I tried to build and duplicate what I have seen on the screen. I used to build models from scratch and thankfully computers started to kick in right when I decided to turn my passion into reality. It realy fascinates to manipulate films into a complex visuals that makes people go 'wow'.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry? I have gathered and studied any piece of info I could find on the work of special effects masters like Derek Meddings ; Les Bowie ; Collin Chivells ; Dennis Mueren etc. I also had a lot of expirience in constructing models and miniatures for architechs and also for some special effects shots. I also love to work with computer graphics and now that both worlds had combined, visual effects work is like heaven.
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Post by ihoppoet on Sept 4, 2005 0:16:22 GMT -8
why aau?
I earned my BFA from the University of Oklahoma in film making, after this I applied for two schools, The London Film School, and AAU, I was accepted to both, I decided to come here because at least in this field there are no better schools, while LFS is a good school, when it comes to film making its not the best, but the idea of living in London turned me on. So the choice was not the best school, in a great city, or the best school in a lousy city, I chose the latter.
why vfx?
When I was a kid my parents were watching an episode of star trek, captain Kirk was enveloped with a red light that seemed to cause him pain, but with his wonderful acting I couldn’t tell if it was pain or joy, anyway the point is I could tell how cheesy the effect was it looked as if they had taken a red water based magic marker and drew over him on the film frames. This made me laugh, my parents said, “it might be funny now, but when it was new it was amazing, we thought it was real” this started me thinking about what the new effects would look like 20 years from now, this was around 1985, so now I know, and I know I want to be a part of 2025. Yes I watch a lot of films with vfx in them, however I feel that story should always come first, and if the fx doesn't add to the story, it should be included.
Who the hell am I?
I started out in radio, I Jocked at several stations in Tulsa, and the surrounding areas of Oklahoma, as well and more enjoyable I did a lot of audio production, commercials music and so forth. After the FCC deregulated, Cox and Clear Channel started buying everything out, so I got out. Did some free lance work for a while, then decided to take it a step further and step into film making, and I thought I’d get my degree while I was at it. Long story short, now I’m a filmmaker. My goal is to be a well-rounded filmmaker, and to do everything in house. From pre to post, including all the digital vfx.
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Post by brandy on Sept 4, 2005 11:13:43 GMT -8
This is in reply to ihoppoet....
"Long story short, now I’m a filmmaker. My goal is to be a well-rounded filmmaker, and to do everything in house. From pre to post, including all the digital vfx. "
At least i am not the only one who is that crazy....
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Post by prasannasid on Sept 4, 2005 15:03:39 GMT -8
Well, when I decided to do my MFA in Visual Effects, the only schools i found offering the same were the Academy in SF, DMAC in Florida and SCAD in Savannah. With only a little research, the others were dropped from my list. Since most of the Visual Effects studios were in CA, whats the point in going elsewhere. Then, with a little more research into the school, I was assured of a great infrastructure, wonderful faculty and up-to-date equipment. And most importantly, the right contacts in the industry. Making this decision was indeed hard on me, being all the way across the globe in India. But Im happy now that I am here and see for myself that I've made the right choice.
Ever since I saw the Matrix, I knew what I wanted to be in the field of VFX. I was just starting my bachelors degree in Computer Science when that happened. Hence, the increased fascination for CG. And as I had no technical education in VFX, i learnt all that I could by reading and experimenting by myself. I often try to imitate the VFX I'd recently seen in a movie, thereby learning new techniques.
After graduating college, I learnt 3D Studio Max and Maya from Art schools in India. Quickly realising that I needed artistic skills as well, I learnt figure sketching, anatomy and so on. But honestly, Im more on the CG and creative side. I would think of myself more as a technician than an artist and some day want to become creative director. But my best-suited quality to excel in the CG field is my love to create the impossible and generate awe.....
Cheers....
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Post by jacks30 on Sept 4, 2005 15:50:32 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? Do you feel that the school has the necessary resources you need to complete your program?
I chose the Academy of Art University because I was an undergraduate at the Academy and felt as if it would be enjoyable to work on my own project on a master’s level. I also plan to use the skills and knowledge learned in the program to improve my skills in animation and other areas within the business. I know the Academy has the tools and resources needed for me to complete my program. The animation and visual effects courses (that are now offered) provide the exposure to a greater range of instruction and training that was not available to me during my undergraduate years.
What makes you want to participate in the computer graphics industry? Do you watch a lot of VFX films?
I want to be in the computer graphics industry because I like computers, I love animation, and I like being an artist. I watch a lot of VFX movies although in my opinion, most of them are not good ones. Despite of my feelings to these movies, what is most important to me is keeping up with the current films that the industry releases.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the computer graphics industry? Would you classify yourself as an artist, a technician, or a little of both?
Although there really isn’t a whole lot in my background that makes me a unique candidate for computer graphics I am hoping to change that by getting more experience through my master’s program and the courses required for the program. I think I would classify myself primarily as an artist because currently, I do not have enough experience to be considered a technician.
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Post by asg300 on Sept 6, 2005 10:11:26 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? I wanted to get my master so I could teach sometime in the future. I got my BFA from Savannah College of Art and Design, and I wanted to go someplace else for my masters. I heard that AAU had a good reputation and i liked the fact that alot of the faculity worked in the industry.
What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)? I have always enjoyed playing video games and I would like to create them. I realy enjoy designing with the computer and wanted to incorperate that into my profession.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry? I was a part-time proffessor at the community college of southern neveda, teaching intro classes to 3DS Max. i also worked for a graphic design comp. doing 3d work for awards.
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bratt
New Member
Posts: 4
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Post by bratt on Sept 6, 2005 17:57:28 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? This school had several things in it's favor during my search for a masters program. The main two reasons were its prime location and exceptional staff. San Francisco is a nice mix of industry and cabable living conditions. LA is a bit too glitzy for my tastes and the other schools I was looking into weren't in the right part of the country. As for the staff at the Academy of Art, my research indicated that they were a top notch set of people with industry experience.
The resources here at the Academy seem to be up to standard, but in my experience, the equipment doesn't have to be top notch; the work does. However, decent resources can't hurt.
What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)? I (and I am hesitant to use this term, as it is over used and completely over the top, but) fell in love with Visual Effects because it makes the imaginary reality. I have always been facinated by visual effects work, even before I knew what it was. One of my favorite television shows as a kidwas "The Storyteller" by the Henson Creature shop. I didn't know how they were doing those things, but I love it. I'm here on the vague hope that I can one day make that sort of fantasy come to life.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry? VFX is actually my second love. I stumbled across her while I was having my way with computer animation. Soon after I got my first crack of AfterEffects, I had left Computer animation, poor and alone, for the exciting and decidedly sexier VFX. I am uniquely suited for VFX because I think in layers. I don't see the whole, completed picture, but the layers that were actually used to put the shot together. Another interesting factor is that I love making intangable things believable. I have also come to terms with the fact that if I do my job right, people won't even notice my visual contributions.
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peiyi
New Member
Posts: 1
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Post by peiyi on Sept 6, 2005 23:46:20 GMT -8
Hello, my name is Pei-yi,chou. Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? I am an international student from Taiwan. Before I came here, I have hear about AAU is one of good art school in the U.S.A. Here have a lot of good teachers working on the big company. I thought they has a lot experienc can study.
What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)? I have an animation working on. It is stop motion animation in combination with digital backgrounds. Due to the use of mixture of traditional and digital medium, I want to learn how through the process. For example blue screen, model making and many others. I am planning to learn as much as I could about combining stop motion with digital tools.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry? I studied fine art in my high school. I learned a lot of basic skills at the time, and I enjoin the course which I took. After I graduated from high school, I went to the American Culture University to studied Commercial Design. I started to use computer, also learned use computer to animating my painting. After I came to AAU I learned how to use maya. I hope I can learnd more digital tool, and manipulate the digital tool well for the vfx industry.
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Post by younjungkim on Sept 7, 2005 18:31:32 GMT -8
Discussion 1.1: Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? Do you feel that the school has the necessary resources you need to complete your program? (I answered discussion 1.2 first)Besides developing my idea, I wanted to get a job for my living. I¡¯ve heard lots of students graduated this school got jobs. The location of the school is also good to study and get a job. With the instructors who work for the company around here, San Francisco I can learn what I need and what industry needs from students.
Discussion 1.2: What makes you want to participate in the computer graphics industry? Do you watch a lot of VFX films? I think this answer should be the first than discussion1.1. I studied mixed media(printmaking/sculpture) in my graduate program at SUNY at New Paltz. When I made an installation piece, I needed to make that small version and test it to save time and money. Sometimes I could not develop that more in the world because the idea comes from my imagination. I was thinking if I do this with computer virtual world, it could be possible. That led me here.
Discussion 1.3: What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the computer graphics industry? Would you classify yourself as an artist, a technician, or a little of both? My background is fine art. It can help me to develop my idea with computer things. I have been interested in materials. For example, to get real skin, I used flesh colored silicon, translucent fabric printed on, wax, resin, etc. when I made previous my work. In hypershade/in the process of making material real I seem to get similar satisfaction as I did with mixed media before. In my mixed media installation pieces that I¡¯ve done, light is also important element to be completed. To make right mood is very interesting part in CG for me. For these two reasons, I¡¯m now majoring texture and lighting and want to get a job as a texture artist or lighter. For my goal in the future, I want to be an artist who can touch people with my work in CG world or in real world.
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Post by jongkim on Sept 7, 2005 18:40:41 GMT -8
JongHyun Kim Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? & What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)? (I just like to learn new things everyday and have a challenging task ahead of me.) In 1993, I was very into games 'SEGA' the 'Virtual Fighter'. It was made in Japan by the famous game director "suzuki you", who was one of the first game director to make games in 3D. I remember the game itself was totally different from anything I've played, it was like I can actually feel the space. I guess from that point on I was crazed about 3D. Another incident in 1995 that got me excited in 3D was when I saw 3D animation Toy Story which was made by Pixar. I could still feel the awes when I saw it. It was like finding something that I was searching for. From then on, I registered into one of the institute that taught '3D Max'. But it was hard to pursue with just the excitement and energy. The institute was very disappointing, around 95's where I lived 3D was just starting point, no one actually had the professional training to teach me. So, I figured it was better off just studying on my own and discover the field. However it was no easy task, with lack of books to guide me. Eventually my enthusiasms that I had in the beginning of it fade away as I prepared myself to enter University. I changed the major from just plain engineering to studying Media which was more combined with technology and arts. In my major,I had one class studying about HDRI (High Dynamic Range Image) where I learned to look at 3D in totally different perspective than before. So, I began to study hard, using to learn 'Maya' during my breaks. Studying Maya was very challenging task, and it was more than Modeling and tools used in Animation. In my undergraduate course, I had chance to interpret and practice so attractive I went far into this field. But, as I get closer and deeper into studying this the more. I discovered there was deeper level of depth that I could not reach on my own. So, this is one of the reasons I want to enroll in AAU where I know I could get the education and get ahead of the game. I know it's a life time investment to study in this field and lot of commitment and creativeness put into this work but I'm more than ready to dedicate myself. I've been waiting too long, I don't want to loose any more time or put off the study that I craved for such a long time.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry? Around that time, I took one class to do with fx there I learned the techniques of composite and more tools of Maya like Dynamics, Realflow, Shake, and Randeman and so on. About myself, I tend to come up with things that are considered out of norm. For example, imagining things that people might think outrages. But I think those are the qualities that could be an important base to my work. When working in my projects I tend to be the person who takes time to refine the work but the end results are near the perfection that I aimed for.
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lan
New Member
Posts: 10
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Post by lan on Sept 7, 2005 22:24:32 GMT -8
• Discussion 1.1: Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? Do you feel that the school has the necessary resources you need to complete your program?
To be honest, I had doubts before I enrolled at Academy of Art University. I have heard that Academy has a good CG program. However I also saw an article that mentioned that Academy’s best interest was not to educate students but to make money from real estate. Since my focus is CG art and I live in San Francisco, I decided to give it a try for one semester and see where it goes.
This is my third semester in Academy and so far I have mostly good experiences (except for one class I consider a disaster). I was fortunate enough to study under many good instructors (some of them even great). It’s the great instructors that keep me here at Academy of Art (although they are also the most demanding).
• Discussion 1.2: What makes you want to participate in the computer graphics industry? Do you watch a lot of VFX films?
I love to watch a lot of VFX films whenever I have time (which seems hard to find lately given that I’m now trying to create VFX instead of watching them). I find it very exciting to create something beautiful/believable in a virtual world. It makes me feel like a magician enrolled at Hogwarts.
• Discussion 1.3: What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the computer graphics industry? Would you classify yourself as an artist, a technician, or a little of both?
I can’t say that any of my background will make me a unique candidate for CG industry. However, I love to create and merge both reality and fantasy in a virtual world. At the same time, I can’t really think of any other job that will be more enjoyable than working with CG. I guess my undergraduate degree in computer science puts me a bit on the technical side of this world. I have also worked as a graphic designer for a while now, which helps me develop more of my artistic side.
For the most part, I consider myself a blank slate, an unmolded piece of clay, unworked block of marble, ...
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Post by george on Sept 7, 2005 23:09:51 GMT -8
Question 1 The AAU program really appealed to me because they offer an MFA degree, and I had been wanting to get one for a while. I did lots of research, and I found that the VFX program was excellent. Also I feel AAU does a great job of focusing on VFX, where as the others are all over the map.
I feel the school does have the necessary resources for me to complete the program...but, I disagree with the cost of the lab fees. They are way too high, especially for the slow computers we have. Another thing is some of the monitors are horrible, i think that is unacceptable for our line of work. Hopefully in the next few semester's they will upgrade the computers and add a render farm. I'm also hoping that Graduate students will get their own lab and some more perks. Getting a person to handle all of our needs as Graduate students is a big step in the right direction, instead of Chris having to deal with both us and the BFA students. I am really satisfied with the faculty and the quality of education.. which is the most important thing to me.
[edit : I went to the labs for the first time this semester and I noticed they have a bunch of new computers and monitors....yay!]
Question 2 I've always used my computer to create art. The VFX field appeals to me because it is the cutting edge technologically, and I always strive to be ahead of the curve. I consider hardware and software my chosen tools to create what I see in my mind, as they are the tools I am most comfortable with. I'm also fascinated in creating imagery which looks organic, but is futuristic as well.
I came to AAu to develop my eye, and to master Visual Effects both artistically and technologically. My dream is to work on a feature film someday, and learn as much from those experiences. The future will bring lots of independent digital filmmaking as it becomes cheaper and more powerful, I want to take my feature film experiences and create something of my own or as a collaboration, like an Independant VFX film house , and release films and music videos.
I do watch lots of VFX films. I saw "Revenge of the Sith" 6 times at the Metreon in digital! I saw most of the big VFX films this year as well... "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", "Batman Begins" and "War of the Worlds" and enjoyed them all. At home lately, I tend to have the new Star Wars, "Clones" and "Phantom Menace", playing non stop... I also love music videos as well, like the Gondry and Cunningham directed Bjork videos.
Question 3 My experience makes me a unique candidate. I'm also personable, easy to get a long with, and I will work hard until a job is complete. I have been working with computer graphics for over 10 years now. I originally started out in DOS when learning 3D Studio (not MAX) .. to texture map and create environments in cinematics for a home system port of the video game Primal Rage.
When that job ended instead of following my good fortune in 3D, I jumped into the world of the web , as it was just starting to break out. Then I got hired at an The Lambesis Agency and was there for 5 1/2 years.
The ad gency was filled with film buffs, and we used some cool directors to direct our spots, like Brian Singer, Doug Liman and the Hughes Brothers. I also got to go to lots of photo shoots and get a glimpse of "Hollywood" production world. I loved working in the creative department and coming up with ideas, but I hated advertising, so I decided to quit and make some changes and pursue my dream of working in filmand VFX.
I consider myself both a technician and an artist... but more as an artist. All throughout my life I've written music, played in bands, DJ'd at parties, I also did visuals for numerous events with projectors, laptops and live "VJ" software.. The technical side is usually easy for me, software is just a tool to get to what I want. I learn what I need to get to where I want.
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Post by davidt on Sept 8, 2005 2:42:27 GMT -8
Discussion: • Discussion 1.1: Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? Do you feel that the school has the necessary resources you need to complete your program?
I chose the Academy of art because I did not have to take my GRE like you use to have to do to get into USC grad program (I wanted to go to one of the same schools Lucas went to). I was surprised when I realized that between the two schools the academy was better for me on so many levels. I do kind of wish we were not treated as the basted children of the academy though.
• Discussion 1.2: What makes you want to participate in the computer graphics industry? Do you watch a lot of VFX films?
I want to get into the computer graphic industry because I can not draw very well and lets just say my spelling leaves something to be desired for when it comes to writing. But I know I have vivid imagination and the ability to tell story and with in those stories ask question and see how the audiences reacts to those question. CG allows me to take people on a journey threw my thought and then point to the stars and ask “ why aren’t we there”
• Discussion 1.3: What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the computer graphics industry? Would you classify yourself as an artist, a technician, or a little of both?
I am a creative person with a great imagination. Someone that can solve problems and if I cant I well admit it and find someone that can help me solve it. I absorb and retain information rapidly. I well do I can to make you laugh.
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Post by Rebecca on Sept 15, 2005 11:44:55 GMT -8
• Discussion 1.1: Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? Do you feel that the school has the necessary resources you need to complete your program?
Oh...so many reasons! Well, first of all, I wanted to be in SF! I am from the Bay area so I know just how wonderful it is. After 4 years in Chicago (awesome city too) I wanted to be back in California. Mainly I chose AAU for the instructors. We are so unbelievably lucky to be able to work with such experienced people who really want to help us out and treat us like colleagues. Teachers like Vince make the tuition very well worth it. So far, after just one semester, I am very happy with the people I am meeting and the facilities that are available.
• Discussion 1.2: What makes you want to participate in the computer graphics industry? Do you watch a lot of VFX films?
It’s a great industry because it requires very specific skills yet it also requires the ability to utilize diverse talents while seeing the big picture. There are so many different directions to go in, ranging from highly technical to strictly artistic. I also think the people make this industry extremely unique. I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with very focused, intelligent people, who are passionate about what they do.
So many films have VFX in them … what’s fun is being able to watch a movie for the story and also have an idea of how the effects were done. It makes the whole experience much more worthwhile.
• Discussion 1.3: What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the computer graphics industry? Would you classify yourself as an artist, a technician, or a little of both?
My time as an undergrad was spent studying electrical engineering. I really enjoyed the challenge and feel like it will definitely help me in this industry. I also worked on oil painting as a side interest. After working as an engineer and project manager for a couple of years I realized I really needed to be doing something more creative as a profession. Artist or engineer?…well hopefully I will be able to classify myself as both. I’d like to be able to foster both sides and have them work together. I think I have a great ability to bridge the gap between technology and creativity and I hope to be able to do so in any future job. Helping non-technical people and breaking things down into laymen terms is very rewarding. For now EE to MFA seems like a big jump…but I think it will all make sense pretty soon.
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